Fulfills: COLL Social & Historical
This course focuses on music in social-political movements ranging
from human rights and environmental movements to political and
cultural revolutions. We will explore concepts about the
transformative power both of music and of organized groups of
people, and we will analyze the practices of social-political
movements that are aimed at changing perception and behavior. We
will consider the term 'movement' in at least two senses: 1) in the
physical sense--movement as organized, collective action and, often,
involving the movement of bodies; and 2) in the emotional sense
of "moving." These two senses combine in movements that are intent
on mobilizing people for change and arousing people to action.
Among the basic issues to be investigated are: the ways people use
music as a form of representation and of social organization; the
role of music in creating groups and disseminating messages; and
music as an agent of social change. We will study these issues in
the abstract and as they are exemplified through case studies of
movements in different parts of the world (including within China,
the U.S., and several African and South American nations) as well as
transnational or global movements.
The course emphasizes the study of the arts in human life and in
cross-cultural approaches to the study of expressive culture.
Students will learn methods for analyzing musical and social
performance and discourse, including those promoting ideas of human
rights and collective action. Class members will find opportunities
to pursue their interests in particular world areas (including
Bloomington) and topics through flexible research assignments.
Graded components will include class preparation and participation,
written assignments, quizzes, and a midterm and/or final exam.
The course is designed for students in the Folklore and
Ethnomusicology as well as those interested in social movements,
human rights, politics, and the arts in society. Formal music
training is not required, but a level of engagement and work found
among students serious about their academic pursuits is expected.
The course fulfills the COAS Social and Historical, Social Inquiry
distribution requirement.